MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – In front of a packed commission chamber Tuesday, leaders in Broward County took their concerns straight to Miami-Dade County to address the issue of a mass burn facility, which they say will be a hazard to the environment and the South Florida community if installed near Miramar.
“The county could not have picked a more inappropriate location. It’s bad for the environment; it’s bad for the public,” said Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam.
The focal point of Tuesday’s meeting was the proposed establishment of a mass burn facility or incinerator, slated to take root less than a mile from west Miramar.
In a report to be accepted Tuesday, county officials are evaluating three potential locations for the new facility: the existing site in Doral, Medley, and the former Opa-locka West Airport site, situated in the far northwest corner of Miami-Dade County, near the Broward County line.
Messam raised environmental concerns regarding the Opa-locka West Airport site, describing it as a 400-acre wetland area with endangered species residing on the edge of the Everglades.
“This is a terrible choice when you have a more suitable option in Miami-Dade County in Medley,” said Messam.
Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez, having reviewed the report, believes the old Opa-locka West Airport would be the right choice. He stated, “Those facilities are much further away than any other Miami Dade County residents, whether it’s Medley or Doral.”
With opposition from the city of Doral as well as Broward leaders, Messam advocates for Medley as the recommended site for the incinerator.
He also mentioned that the city of Miramar, along with neighboring municipalities, plan to file a lawsuit if the Opa-locka West Airport is selected.